The Citation Classic: Judith L. Vaitukaitis, Glenn D. Braunstein, Griff T. Ross, “A radioimmunoassay which specifically measures human chorionic gonadotropin in the presence of human luteinizing hormone,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 113:6, pp 751-758, July 15, 1972. (Citation Classic; Current Contents/Clinical Practice 11:24, 1983). Abstract: With antiserum to the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), we have developed a radioimmunoassay which selectively measures hCG in samples containing both human pituitary luteinizing hormone (HLH) and hCG. High HLH levels observed in samples obtained at the midcycle peak or from castrate patients do not cause significant inhibition in the specific hCG radioimmunoassay. The sensitivity of the assay is sufficient for distinguishing hCG from follicular and luteal phase HLH levels. This specific hCG radioimmunoassay is ideal for following serum hCG levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy for hCG-secreting tumors as well as for follow-up of patients after termination of molar pregnancies. In addition, the sensitivity of the assay will permit earlier diagnosis of pregnancy which, in turn, would permit earlier therapeutic intervention if desired.
For more on the scientific basis for various urine pregnancy tests throughout human history, see J. Burstein and G.D. Braunstein, “Urine pregnancy tests from antiquity to the present,” Early Pregnancy: Biology and Medicine 1 (1995) pp. 288-296. Several entries in the “Timeline of Pregnancy Tests” were based on this material.
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Vaitukaitis, Braunstein, and Ross' paper on the hCG radioimmunoassay, 1972.
